Russian football authorities are planning to discuss leaving UEFA for the AFC during a meeting on Friday. The Russian Football Union is seeking to transition amidst ongoing suspensions from international play due to the conflict in Ukraine. A decision on this potential move could establish Russia as the first nation to resign from UEFA.
Russian football officials are set to meet on Friday to explore the possibility of resigning from UEFA and joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This move is being considered due to Russia’s ongoing suspension from competitive play since February 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine. With no plans to lift the ban while the conflict continues, the Russian Football Union (RFU) believes that shifting to the AFC could facilitate a more favorable reintegration into international football once restrictions are lifted.
The discussions come after a previous meeting held in Moscow, where RFU officials assessed the prospect of aligning with the AFC. Reports indicate that the final resolution regarding this potential resignation from UEFA could be concluded at the upcoming executive committee meeting. The RFU’s considerations reflect a strategic pivot aimed at maintaining competitiveness in international football amid current geopolitical tensions.
In anticipation of this decision, UEFA is monitoring the situation and is expected to request clarity from the RFU regarding its future position. Historically, other nations, like Australia, have successfully transitioned between different football confederations, suggesting that a similar path could be viable for Russia. If the RFU votes to leave UEFA, it would mark a significant historical precedent as the first country to resign from the European football governing body.
Roman Teryushkov, a political figure, has stated, “In the current geopolitical realities, the presence of the RFU in UEFA contradicts the national interests of Russia. It is impossible to build sports friendship with countries unfriendly to us and with constant poking from the collective West.” – sports.ru.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
